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United States Patent |
5,000,276
|
Grill
|
March 19, 1991
|
System for constructing novelty impulse machines including a weight scale
Abstract
A modular construction system is provided for building impulse machines
having a computer weight module that is responsive to a floor scale
assembly. The weight module is supported on a pedestal which is attached
to a base plate of the floor scale assembly. The pedestal is hollow to
accommodate an electrical cable connecting the impulse module to load
sensing means located within a pressure pad of the floor scale assembly.
Additional impulse modules having different themes can be attached atop
the pedestal along with the weight module by use of an adapter plate.
Thereafter, the type of impulse modules utilized in the impulse machine
can be changed by detaching selected impulse modules from the adapter
plate and substituting new impulse modules therefor. Moreover, a different
number of impulse modules can be supported on the pedestal by
interchanging the adapter plate with another, differently sized adapter
plate designed to accommodate a larger or smaller number of modules
thereon.
Inventors:
|
Grill; Simon (24242 Hatteras St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367)
|
Appl. No.:
|
493765 |
Filed:
|
March 15, 1990 |
Current U.S. Class: |
177/241; 177/245; 273/161 |
Intern'l Class: |
G01G 021/28; G01G 023/00; A63F 009/18 |
Field of Search: |
177/238-243,245
273/1 E,161
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
1596867 | Aug., 1926 | Brunaugh | 273/161.
|
1618616 | Feb., 1927 | Watling, I | 273/161.
|
1785848 | Dec., 1930 | Watling, II | 273/161.
|
1923287 | Aug., 1933 | Watling, III | 273/161.
|
1947814 | Feb., 1934 | Turner et al. | 273/161.
|
2124838 | Jul., 1938 | Watling | 273/161.
|
2222364 | Nov., 1940 | Dillon, Jr. et al. | 273/161.
|
2836980 | Jun., 1958 | Giepen.
| |
4529207 | Jul., 1985 | Iseki et al.
| |
4586575 | May., 1986 | Muerdter et al.
| |
4869500 | Sep., 1989 | Williams | 273/1.
|
Primary Examiner: Miller, Jr.; George H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kelly, Bauersfeld & Lowry
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for constructing an impulse machine, the steps comprising:
providing a base plate;
attaching pedestal means atop the base plate;
attaching a first adapter plate atop the pedestal means in a removable
manner; and
attaching a first group of impulse modules to the first adapter plate in a
removable manner.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1, further including the steps of
detaching the first adapter plate and the first group of impulse modules
from the pedestal means, providing a second adapter plate atop the
pedestal means, the second adapter plate being sized to accommodate a
second group of impulse modules, the second group of impulse modules
including a different number of impulse modules than the first group,
attaching the second group of impulse modules to the second adapter plate,
and attaching the second adapter plate atop the pedestal means in a
removable manner.
3. A method for constructing a novelty impulse machine, the steps
comprising:
providing a floor weight scale assembly including a base plate and sensing
means;
attaching cabinet means to the base plate assembly;
providing a first adapter plate atop the cabinet means;
situating a first group of impulse modules atop the first adapter plate;
attaching the impulse modules and the first adapter plate to the cabinet
means in a removable manner; and
providing electrical means for allowing at least one impulse module to be
responsive to the load sensing means.
4. A method as set forth in claim 3, further including the steps of
detaching the first adapter plate and the first group of impulse modules
from the cabinet means, providing a second adapter plate atop the cabinet
means, the second adapter plate being sized to accommodate a second group
of impulse modules, the second group of impulse modules including a
different number of impulse modules than the first group, situating the
second group of impulse modules atop the second adapter plate, and
attaching the second group of impulse modules and the second adapter plate
to the cabinet means in a removable manner.
5. A method as set forth in claim 3, further including the step of removing
the first adapter plate and the first group of impulse modules and
attaching a single impulse module atop the cabinet means.
6. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the step of attaching the
cabinet means to the base plate includes bolting the base plate to the
cabinet means utilizing nuts which have been welded to an inside flange of
the cabinet means.
7. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the step of situating the
first group of impulse modules atop the first adapter plate includes
fixing the impulse modules onto upwardly extending bolts welded to the
first adapter plate.
8. A method for constructing an impulse machine as set forth in claim 3,
wherein the load sensing means comprises a pressure pad and at least one
load cell.
9. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the step of attaching the
impulse modules and the first adapter plate to the cabinet means includes
bolting the impulse modules to the adapter plate and bolting the adapter
plate to the cabinet means.
10. A novelty impulse machine, comprising:
a base plate assembly;
cabinet means having a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end being
attached to the base plate assembly and the top end having a first adapter
plate removably attached thereto by connecting means; and
a plurality of impulse modules removably attached to the adapter plate.
11. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first
adapter plate includes upwardly extending bolts welded thereto, and
wherein the impulse modules are removably attached to the first adapter
plate by the bolts.
12. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 10, including a second
adapter plate which is interchangeable with the first adapter plate, the
second adapter plate being sized to accommodate a different number of
impulse modules than the first adapter plate, wherein the number of
impulse modules which can be utilized in the impulse machine is changeable
by interchanging the first and second adapter plates.
13. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 12, wherein one of the
adapter plates is sized to accommodate three impulse modules.
14. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein the base
plate assembly includes load sensing means and wherein the system further
includes electrical means for allowing at least one impulse module to be
responsive to the load sensing means.
15. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 14, wherein the
electrical means includes wiring connected to the load sensing means at
one end and to at least one impulse module at the opposite end, wherein
the first and second adapter plates each include an aperture through which
the wiring can pass.
16. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the load
sensing means comprises a floor scale having a pressure pad and at least
one load cell.
17. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the cabinet
means includes an opening for providing access to the attachment means.
18. A novelty impulse machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the bottom
end of the cabinet means includes an inside flange having a plurality of
apertures therethrough and a plurality of nuts welded atop the inside
flange in alignment with the apertures, wherein the cabinet means is
bolted to the base plate assembly by a plurality of bolts extending
through the base plate assembly and into threaded engagement with the
nuts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to novelty impulse-type game machines and
modular construction systems for such machines. More particularly, this
invention relates to a modular construction system for novelty impulse
machines including a weight scale and one or more impulse game modules.
Novelty impulse machines are generally vending machines characterized by an
impulse module which provides a readout of a user's heart rate, stress
level, etc., in response to conditions measured by a sensor held or
touched by the user. The readout is indicated by light-emitting diodes or
a liquid crystal display screen. Impulse machines are commonly designed to
provide entertaining information about the user's future, kissing ability,
sex appeal, or the like. The impulse machine may also include a weight
scale to provide a body weight readout.
Novelty impulse machines provide an entertaining and informative
alternative to conventional arcade game vending machines. Prior methods of
constructing impulse machines, however, result in a machine assembly which
is limited to use of the same, single impulse module that was originally
installed during construction of the impulse machine. In general,
provisions are not made to accommodate interchangeability of impulse
modules to be utilized in the machine, or for converting a single module
impulse machine into a multi-module impulse machine. Moreover, past
construction methods generally do not provide for the creation of an
impulse machine utilizing several impulse modules, one of which is
responsive to a floor scale assembly.
There exists, therefore, a need for an improved modular construction system
for building novelty impulse machines of various configurations, wherein a
manufacturer may change the type and number of impulse modules utilized
while maintaining assembly line continuity and efficiency. Additionally,
such an improved modular construction system is needed which enables the
manufacturer to build impulse machines having at least one impulse module
which cooperates with load sensing means to function as a weight scale.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, an improved modular construction system
is provided for assembling novelty impulse machines having a weight scale
and one or more impulse modules in a manner allowing the number and type
of impulse modules to be changed in a relatively simple fashion. Impulse
machines manufactured in accordance with the improved system generally
comprise a pedestal having a floor scale assembly attached to a bottom end
thereof, and at least one impulse module connected to a top end of the
pedestal. Two or more impulse modules can be utilized atop the pedestal
with the inclusion of an adapter plate. The adapter plate can be
interchanged with other differently sized adapter plates in order to
accommodate varying numbers of impulse modules.
The present invention advantageously provides means whereby a weight scale
and an impulse module responsive thereto can be used in combination with
other impulse modules having different themes. This allows for the
construction of an impulse machine having a plurality of impulse
attractions, thereby increasing the likelihood that the machine will
present at least one impulse module that will appeal to a consumer.
Moreover, the improved modular construction system permits easy
interchangeability of the impulse modules utilized in conjunction with the
weight scale impulse module. Yet another advantage of the improved modular
construction system is that it allows an impulse machine to be expanded by
providing means whereby more impulse modules may be added to an existing
unit.
In a preferred form of the invention, a hollow, rectangular pedestal is
bolted atop a floor scale assembly including a floor scale having a
pressure pad and at least one load cell. Next, a weight scale impulse
module is bolted atop the pedestal. The weight scale impulse module is
responsive to the floor scale by an electrical cable that connects to the
load cell at one end and extends upwardly through the hollow interior of
the pedestal to the weight scale impulse module at its opposite end. When
other impulse modules are to be included in addition to the weight scale
impulse module, an adapter plate is installed between the pedestal and all
of the modules. Impulse modules are then bolted to the adapter.
In the event that a single weight scale impulse module has already been
attached atop the pedestal and it is desirable to add other types of
impulse modules to the unit, the weight scale impulse module is removed
and the adapter plate is installed. The number of impulse modules which
can be accommodated atop the pedestal is relatively easily changed by
simply replacing the adapter plate with another of a different size.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a novelty impulse machine constructed in
accordance with the modular construction system embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the impulse machine of FIG. 1,
illustrating several primary components of the impulse machine, including
an impulse module, a pedestal and a floor scale assembly;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented, rear perspective view taken generally in
the direction of arrow 3 in FIG. 1, illustrating the impulse module opened
to expose its inner components, and also showing the manner in which a
single impulse module is attached to the pedestal;
FIG. 4 is a fragmented perspective view of the area indicated by the arrow
4 in FIG. 3, illustrating an upper end of a cable connecting the floor
scale assembly to the impulse module;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmented perspective view, partly in cut-away
section, illustrating the manner in which the pedestal is attached to the
floor scale assembly using a nut welded to an inside flange of the
pedestal and a bolt extending upwardly through the floor scale assembly;
FIG. 6 is a fragmented, exploded view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an
adapter plate upon which three impulse modules are supported atop the
pedestal;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmented view, partly in cut-away section, taken
generally along the arrow 7 in FIG. 6, showing the manner in which an
impulse module is attached to the adapter plate using upwardly extending
bolts welded to the adapter plate; and
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmented cross sectional view taken generally
along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, further illustrating attachment of the impulse
module to the adapter plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present
invention relates to a modular construction system for building impulse
machines 20 including a floor scale assembly 22. The present invention
advantageously enables an impulse machine 20 of the single impulse module
type shown in FIG. 1, to be expanded to a multi-module impulse machine 26
(FIG. 6) in a relatively easy fashion. The modular construction system
provides means whereby one or more impulse modules 24 may be used in
addition to a weight scale module, and wherein the type and number of
impulse modules can be changed.
The present invention beneficially provides versatility in an impulse
machine so that impulse modules 24 can be added or interchanged, thereby
continually allowing the attraction of the impulse machine to be renewed
or broadened by enabling the manufacturer to add popular new impulse
modules and replace well-used impulse modules of fading appeal. The
impulse machine 20 can thus be periodically updated in view of how well
each different impulse module theme captures the public's imagination in a
particular display location. Advantageously, appeal to a wide range of
people is achieved because the modular construction system preferably
always incorporates one of the most popular of all impulse modules, namely
a computer weight scale version, in addition to which other, differently
themed impulse modules may be included. The overall impulse machine,
particularly in a multi-module configuration, provides an attractive
alternative to conventional arcade game vending machines.
Impulse machines are generally well known in the field of vending machines.
The primary component is an impulse module which provides entertaining
information concerning one's sex appeal, future, etc., or revealing
medical information regarding one's heart rate or stress level. In
general, the impulse module becomes functional upon the insertion of a
token or coin and uses a liquid crystal display screen 27 or
light-emitting diodes to display a readout based upon conditions sensed by
a hand sensor or pressure pad. Conventionally, the impulse module utilizes
an eye-catching sign 28 to advertise its theme.
In accordance with the present invention, an improved construction system
is provided for building impulse machines 20 which include an impulse
module 24 that is responsive to a floor scale assembly 22. The impulse
module 24 is equipped with a microprocessor 29 and calibration
potentiometers 30 (FIG. 3) to enable the impulse module 24 to serve as a
computer weight scale which receives input from at least one load cell
(not shown) located within a pressure pad 32 of the floor scale assembly
22. The inner workings of the weight scale impulse module are not detailed
herein because this information is known to those skilled in the art and
does not constitute an inventive feature of this invention. A nine volt
battery 34 provides a power source for the impulse module 24.
A supporting structure for the impulse module 24 is provided by metal
cabinet means such as a rectangular pedestal 36 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2. The pedestal 36 is hollow to accommodate an electrical cable 38
connecting the impulse module 24 to the load cell contained within the
floor scale assembly 22. This cable 38 enables the impulse module 24 to be
responsive to force exerted upon the pressure pad 32. As viewed in FIG. 4,
the upper end of the cable 38 terminates in a plug 40 which engages a
socket 42 located on the underside of the impulse module 24. Within the
impulse module 24, a similar plug 44 (see FIG. 3) engages the socket 42 to
complete an electrical connection between the impulse modules circuitry
and load sensing means within the pressure pad 32.
In constructing an impulse machine 20 having a single computer scale
impulse module 24, such as the unit depicted in FIG. 1, the initial step
is attachment of the pedestal 36 to the floor scale assembly 22. The
pedestal 36 is situated atop a base plate 46 and is bolted thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 5, this step is accomplished using two or more bolts
48 which extend upwardly through apertures 50 in the base plate 46. The
bolts 48 protrude through apertures (not visible) in a bottom inside
flange 54 of the pedestal 36, and thread into nuts 52 that have been
pre-welded onto the flange 54.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the impulse module 24 is attached to the pedestal
36 using bolts 55 that extend downwardly through apertures 56 located in
each corner of the bottom 58 of the impulse module 24. The bolts 55
protrude through apertures 60 located in each corner of a top lip portion
62 of the pedestal 36, and are secured with nuts 52. Washers 64 are
utilized between each nut 52 and the underside of the module's bottom 58.
The pedestal 36 has a rear access opening 66 which permits tightening of
the nuts 52 in place and facilitates connection of the plug 40 into the
socket 42.
The modular construction system of the present invention advantageously
enables an impulse machine 20 (FIG. 1) having a single impulse module 24
to be converted into a multi-module impulse machine 26 (FIG. 6) in a
relatively easy fashion. Alternatively, the construction system can
initially be used to build a multi-module impulse machine. In the former
case, the conversion of an impulse machine 20 into a multi-module impulse
machine 26 begins with removal of the impulse module 24 from the pedestal
36, thereby exposing the top lip portion 62 of the pedestal for attachment
of an adapter plate 68 thereto. In the latter case, the top lip portion 62
will already be available to receive the adapter plate 68 following
attachment of the pedestal 36 to the base plate 46.
With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the adapter plate 68 has a plurality
of bolts 70 extending upwardly therethrough to provide means for attaching
impulse modules 24 to the adapter plate. These bolts 70 are pre-welded to
the adapter plate 68 along a weld line 72 where the head of the bolt 70
abuts the underside of the adapter plate. The impulse modules 24 are
bolted to the adapter plate 68 by aligning the bolts 70 within the
apertures 56 in the impulse modules 24, and threading a nut 74 thereon.
Although only a single impulse module could be bolted thereto, an adapter
plate 68 is preferably used when more than one impulse module 24 is to be
supported on the pedestal 36. Moreover, adapter plates 68 of different
dimensions are provided to accommodate varying numbers of impulse modules.
This feature advantageously allows the manufacturer to change the number
of impulse modules 24 which can be displayed by changing the adapter
plate. In the accompanying drawings, two interchangeable adapter plates 68
are provided. The first adapter plate 68 is sized to accommodate two
impulse modules 24. The second adapter plate 68 (shown in FIG. 6) is sized
to support three impulse modules 24.
It should be noted that the bolts 70 welded to the adapter plate 68 are
used to attach all but one of the impulse modules 24 to the adapter plate.
The impulse module 24 which is not attached using upwardly extending bolts
70, is bolted to both the adapter plate 68 and the pedestal 36 using
downwardly extending bolts 55 in a similar manner to that shown in FIG. 3,
with the difference being that the bolts 55 pass through apertures 76
(FIG. 6) in the adapter plate 68 prior to passing through the apertures 60
of the pedestal and having nuts 52 threaded thereon. In a three module
arrangement (FIG. 8), the middle impulse module 24, which is preferably
the computer weight scale module, is bolted to the pedestal 36 in this
fashion.
The weight scale impulse module 24 is situated on the adapter plate 68 at a
location in alignment with the pedestal 36 so that the electrical cable 38
can be easily connected by passing the plug 40 through an opening 78 in
the adapter plate 68. The opening 78 on the adapter plate 68 is aligned
with the socket 42 when the impulse module 24 is installed on the adapter
plate. The opening 78 also aligns with an opening 80 in the top of the
pedestal. The access opening 66 in the rear of the pedestal 36 enables one
to pass the cable 38 up through the opening 78 so that the plug 40 can be
connected to the socket 42 prior to bolting the impulse module 24 in
place.
Once the impulse modules 24 and adapter plate 68 have been bolted to the
pedestal 36, construction of the multi-module impulse machine 20 is
complete. However, because the impulse modules 24 are removably attached
to the adapter plate 68, the modular construction system beneficially
allows a subsequent change in the number or type of impulse modules 24
which are utilized along with the computer weight scale impulse module.
One desiring to expand the appeal of the impulse machine 20 by adding one
or more additional impulse modules 24 thereto, need only to unbolt the
adapter plate 68 and substitute a larger adapter plate therefor. When one
desires to only substitute new impulse modules 24 for older models that
have broken or lost their appeal, it is only necessary to detach the
adapter plate 68 from the pedestal 36.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the modular construction
system of the present invention advantageously provides for construction
of a versatile impulse machine 20 that can be reconfigured in a relatively
easy fashion to utilize different numbers or types of impulse modules 24.
This advantageously permits one to replace outdated or broken impulse
modules or to expand an impulse machine by adding modules. Moreover, the
present invention enables a weight scale impulse module, which is
responsive to a floor scale, to be combined with one or more impulse
modules of a different theme. Thus, the overall volume of vending business
generated by an impulse machine vending unit is increased due to the
inclusion of a plurality of different entertaining or informative impulse
modules, which increase the likelihood that at least one of the impulse
attractions on display will appeal to a potential consumer.
While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it will also be apparent that various modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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